Below is the further breakdown in terms of gender, sex ration and increase in average annual growth from 1998 to 2017.

The first census in the country was conducted in 1951, followed by second in 1961, third in 1972, instead of 1971 due to political turmoil, and the fourth in 1981.

The fifth census, which was due in 1991, was held in March 1998. The army assisted the authorities in conducting the last census 19 years ago.

Fast-growing Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world, had not held a census since 1998 due to years of bickering between politicians.

The count could redraw the political map as the country gears up for a national election next year — a prospect that has raised fears over power bases and federal funding.

At the time census was launched, it was stated that the people who will provide wrong information to the enumerators will face six-month jail term and Rs. 50,000 fine over the breach of the census rules.

Each enumerator was given the map of his or her area for the census. The houses having more than one family were counted on the basis of separate kitchens.